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Beer CAN taste good from a can

By BRIAN WALLACELancaster Newspapers

Updated:
01/02/2013 06:05:54 PM EST

Lancaster Newspapers editor's note: Brian Wallace was weaned on some crummy brews (I.C. Light, anyone?) but now appreciates the beauty of Brussels Lace clinging to a pint glass. Partial to ales, he'll try anything with "Imperial" in its name and marvels at the quality and quantity of American microbrews.

Expensive beers come in bottles. Cheap brews come in cans.

That simple rule of thumb used to be true, for the most part.

When I was growing up, pricey brews like Heineken, Molson and Michelob - craft beer as we know it didn't yet exist - came in majestic glass brown or green bottles, while lesser beers were relegated to aluminum pop-top containers.

But now you can get Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn, Harpoon, Magic Hat and several other quality craft brews clad in metal. Some other craft brands, such as 21st Amendment, come only in cans.

Regional breweries have gotten into the act, with Lancaster Brewing Co. and Slyfox Brewery in Phoenixville offering 10 varieties in cans. Other local brewers are considering the switch as well.